Questions still surround fatal shooting

STOCKTON - Speculation over whether a Lodi man murdered his friend or accidentally shot him on May 17 continues to mount as lawyers and investigators gather evidence in the case.

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By Keith Reid

recordnet.com

By Keith Reid

Posted Jul. 31, 2013 at 12:01 AM

By Keith Reid

Posted Jul. 31, 2013 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

STOCKTON - Speculation over whether a Lodi man murdered his friend or accidentally shot him on May 17 continues to mount as lawyers and investigators gather evidence in the case.

Richard Welker, 34, appeared in court briefly Tuesday morning before the case was postponed until Sept. 5. The case is nearing a preliminary hearing where prosecutors will try to convince a judge that Welker should go to trial for murder.

Witnesses and authorities both say Welker did shoot Arlie Druen, 34, inside the Central Avenue home they shared with a third roommate. Police said multiple shots were fired while witnesses have told The Record that Welker was showing off a small pistol when it accidentally discharged.

Aaron Garcia, 18, a mutual friend of Druen and Welker, told The Record in May that he saw Druen get shot once in the chest.

Lodi police initially arrested Welker on charges of voluntary manslaughter and were careful in their wording, saying the shooting was "not an accident" but have said it was also "not intentional."

The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office later enhanced the charges to first-degree murder.

Welker was on parole when the shooting occurred, and he was not supposed to be in possession of a gun, police said.

Family members in court on Tuesday said they have received little information on the case.

"All I know is what I find out in court," said David Bradley, Druen's brother. "We haven't been told autopsy results. We don't know how many times he was shot."Bradley and his family are eager to learn more facts and want Welker to be held accountable if it is proven that multiple shots were fired.

"Multiple shots is not an accident," Bradley said, adding that if multiple shots were fired that Welker and his friends were attempting a cover-up.

"You don't cover up an accident," he said.

Lodi police Lt. Sierra Brucia said detectives have found evidence in recent days. He would not elaborate.